Chandranath Rath, a former Indian Air Force officer and close associate of West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in North 24 Parganas district on Monday. The attack occurred near his residence in the state's volatile political landscape, police confirmed.

Rath, who served nearly two decades in the Air Force before voluntary retirement, joined Adhikari's team around 2019 and became a key figure in managing political coordination, logistics, and campaign operations. He had previously worked in the corporate sector and was known for his low-profile, behind-the-scenes role despite holding significant responsibilities.

Hailing from Purba Medinipur, the same political base as Adhikari, Rath came from a family formerly aligned with the Trinamool Congress; his mother held a panchayat position before switching to the BJP in 2020. He was educated at Rahara Ramakrishna Mission and remained influenced by its ethos, with associates noting his early contemplation of a spiritual path.

Rath was part of the core team during major BJP electoral campaigns, including the high-stakes Bhabanipur bypoll. His killing has intensified scrutiny over post-poll violence in West Bengal. Police have launched an investigation and are reviewing surveillance footage to identify the attackers.

The state administration has come under pressure to address rising political violence, with opposition leaders demanding a central inquiry. The police have increased security around key political figures in the region as the investigation proceeds.